EFAHRER.com, 11.08.2022
The three-wheeled electric vehicle Twike, a long-distance e-bike with a body and space for two people, will be launched on the market next year in its fifth generation. As the German mobility blog Ecomento reports, citing investor information for Twike, the minimum amount required to pay out the first round of crowdfunding to the manufacturer and thus ensure the continuation of the project was exceeded within a short space of time.
In detail, the press release states that the minimum amount was reached within three hours of an e-mail being sent with the call for crowdfunding and has already doubled 14 days later.
Financing for Twike 5 seems to be secured
Unlike other start-ups that use platforms such as Kickstarter or Indiegogo to fund their projects, Twike has developed its own system. An unlimited number of reservations for the Twike 5 are accepted, but in the end only 500 units are produced and delivered. However, the amount of the deposit determines the position in a publicly visible ranking list and thus the probability of getting hold of a Twike 5.
Through this type of competition, 1,600 pre-orders have already been received and Twike has raised around 4.8 million euros from potential buyers. A total of around six million euros is required for final development and the start of production. This is to be provided through an increase in equity capital or debt capital from institutional investors.
45 kW output and 190 km/h top speed: according to the manufacturer, the sportiest model to date
If everything goes according to plan, series production of the Twike 5 is set to begin in early 2023. Depending on the version with a range of 250 or 500 kilometers, the price will be between 39,900 and 49,900 euros. The drive is a synchronous motor on the rear wheel with 45 kW power and an unladen weight of 600 kg. The top speed is specified as between 130 and 190 km/h. According to the manufacturer, this makes the Twike 5 the sportiest and most powerful model to date. Like its predecessor models, the Twike 5 is equipped with sidestick steering and pedals for charging the battery. It is therefore officially considered a 3-wheel electric vehicle with optional muscle power assistance and is classified in the EU as an L5e three-wheeled motor vehicle.
